I received a copy of Sarah’s Key in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family’s apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.
Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France’s past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl’s ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d’Hiv’, to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah’s past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.
Tatiana de Rosnay offers us a brilliantly subtle, compelling portrait of France under occupation and reveals the taboos and silence that surround this painful episode.
My Review:
What a remarkably touching novel. I don’t think I can say enough good things about Sarah’s Key and the amazing writing job Tatiana de Rosnay delivers on. This read was a mix of haunting characters, historical lessons, and an authentic voice that kept me hooked on this story from page one. I loved how the plot effortlessly moved between 1942 and 2002, and it was torture to have to tear myself away from reading. I shed quite a few tears during this novel, and I would love to check out the movie version as well. I appreciate books that bring an educational topic to light, and I often found myself googling the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup and reading some of the tragic stories revolving around that time. I really believe this a book for everyone, and I whole-heartedly give it 5 stars.
[Rating: 5]
Thank you – I’m adding it to my “will read this” list! And I just watched the movie trailer: that looks fantastic, too… hard to resist Kristin Scott Thomas in a lead role.
This is a sort of old book and I read it several years ago. It was one of the most touching, moving, haunting stories I have ever ready and I recommended it to ANYONE that would listen.
I loved the parrallel stories and how they came together. I was shocked (but not really) about how the french just pretended it didn;t happen.
I did see the movie. It was good, but the book was far superior.
Even though I said it was an old book, there is a huge group of people that will now discover this book and author, so good for you.
I also read her follow up book: A Secret Kept. Again, excellent book but again: such melancholy.
I ahve yet to read The House I Love, but I know that I will because she is worth the read.
Author
I must watch the movie Pauline – with a box of tissues!
Author
Thanks Pascale, I’m so glad I got to read it! I’ve heard about it in the past, and I’m glad I got my hands on a copy!